Manish Sisodia is a name synonymous with Delhi’s transformation history. A dreamer, a game-changer, and a co-founder pillar of AAP, his contributions have revolutionized India’s education and governance. And from humble beginnings to Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister, Sisodia’s story is nothing short of inspirational.
Early Life: The Roots of a Reformer
Manish Sisodia was born on 5th January 1972 in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. His family was a middle-class family, and his upbringing was given with the education of honesty and hard work. He became a journalist, whose inquiring mind and pursuit for truth made him stand out among the rest of the individuals.
Manish Sisodia noticed corruption and waste during his service as a journalist. All of these findings prompted him to take up politics and create the change.
Rise of a Political Leader
The entry of Manish Sisodia into politics was in the year 2012 when he co-founded the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) together with Arvind Kejriwal. The AAP party was formed in order to battle corruption and empower the common citizens.
His political journey began in 2013 when he contested from the Patparganj Assembly constituency of Delhi. Sisodia won with victory over the opposition candidates of the leading parties. It was the beginning of his career-making tenure.
Election History of Manish Sisodia
The table below provides a detailed look at Sisodia’s electoral journey:
| Year | Constituency | Party | Votes Secured | Vote % | Result | Opponent (Party) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Patparganj | Aam Aadmi Party | 42,982 | 35.82% | Won | Nakul Bhardwaj (BJP) |
| 2015 | Patparganj | Aam Aadmi Party | 75,477 | 55.90% | Won (Landslide) | Vinod Kumar Binny (BJP) |
| 2020 | Patparganj | Aam Aadmi Party | 78,491 | 56.02% | Won | Ravi Negi (BJP) |
| 2025 | Jangpura | Aam Aadmi Party | 38,184 | Lost | TARVINDER SINGH MARWAH (BJP) |
Education Reforms of Delhi
Manish Sisodia transformed the education system of Delhi to international standards of excellence. This is how:
1. Breakthrough Budget Grants
During his term, the government of Delhi had over 25% of its budget for education, an all-Indian record.
2. World-Class Infrastructure Model Schools
Sisodia launched world-class Delhi Model Schools. Government schools are no more behind private schools in infrastructure as well as their performance in classes.
| Aspect | Before Reforms | After Reforms |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Allocation | 12% of State Budget | 25% of State Budget |
| Pass Percentage (10th) | 88% | 97.5% |
| Teacher Training | Minimal | International Programs |
3. Happiness Curriculum
Sisidia launched the Happiness Curriculum for classes from kindergarten up to class 8 in 2018. It is a curriculum on emotional well-being, mindfulness, and stress-free learning.
4. Education Based on Skills
To tackle the deficit of education and jobs, Sisodia launched skill development programs for government schools.
Governance Beyond Education
Though education reform defined his area of work, Sisidia integrated innovation in the following areas as well:
- Healthcare Innovations
- Become a pioneer of the opening of Mohalla Clinics, with low-cost medical facilities at low prices.
- Focussed on preventive medicines and curbing healthcare expenditure.
- Economic Policies
- Launched Outcome Budgeting, the country’s first such exercise.
- Empowered citizens by making the government spending transparent.
- Women’s Safety and Empowerment
- Fought for CCTV cameras in all nooks and corners of Delhi.
- Fought for increased safety of women on public transport.
Manish Sisodia Controversies and Arrest
Though Manish Sisidia has been credited with his reforms, his political life has never been free from controversies.
Liquor Policy Scam Allegations
Sisodia was charged with Delhi liquor policy-making and execution irregularities in 2023. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) charged the policy with profiting some vendors at the cost of the state exchequer’s financial loss.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Manish Sisodia was taken into custody by CBI on 26 February, 2023, after several hours of interrogation in liquor policy case. His arrest stunned his people and created gigantic political storm, AAP crying political vendetta.
- Sisodia had stepped down as Delhi Deputy Chief Minister after his arrest.
- The case was a shock to AAP vs. BJP political rivalry, and AAP leaders rallied behind Sisodia as politically motivated victim.
Other Allegations
Besides the case of liquor policy, Sisodia has also been accused of fiscal misconduct in the Delhi education reforms, but no concrete evidence has been presented in court.
Manish Sisodia’s Contribution to Indian Politics
Manish Sisodia’s achievement is a beacon of vision and perseverance. His reforms are now the standard for education, governance, and transparency.
He is still an inspiration for hope to millions who want to make a difference in the political landscape of India. His one-pointed commitment towards the people’s cause continues to inspire millions
Manish Sisodia: A Timeline of Achievements
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Won first election from Patparganj |
| 2015 | Became Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi |
| 2018 | Launched the Happiness Curriculum |
| 2020 | Led AAP to a historic second re-election |
FAQs About Manish Sisodia
- Why is Manish Sisodia famous?
- Sisodia is famous due to his groundbreaking education reforms in Delhi.
- What is Manish Sisodia’s constituency?
- He was an MLA from the Patparganj Assembly constituency in Delhi but lost Jangpura seat in Delhi Election 2025.
- What is the Happiness Curriculum?
- It is a new endeavor towards fostering mindfulness, emotional quotient, and well-rounded development among kids.
